Prandelli in favour of Osvaldo punishment

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has commended Roma for using the Code of Ethics to discipline Pablo Osvaldo.

The Roma forward punched team-mate Erik Lamela following their 2-0 loss to Udinese last week, with the capital club fining the former Espanyol frontman 50,000 euros and banning him for one match.

Prandelli said the action taken by Luis Enrique’s men would bode well for the future, while acting as an example for other teams and players alike to follow.

“Roma’s (conduct) was timely,” Prandelli said on Thursday.

“The Code of Ethics applies not only to the national team but for all (Italian) clubs, and Roma have done well to apply it.”

Turning his attention to the Azzurri’s chances of success in the Euro 2012 finals, Prandelli believes they can go all the way to competing in the Kiev Olympic Stadium on July 1 next year.

“We are happy to reach the European Championship,” he said. “We now possess a mood very different from the one we had a few months ago and I am confident that we can have a great tournament.”

He also responded favourably to Republic of Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni’s admission that he is keen to avoid his native Italy in the group stage of the tournament, but reminded reporters of his main objective since taking charge in August last year.

“Trapattoni says he wants to avoid Italy? I would avoid Trapattoni for a lifetime if I could,” joked Prandelli.

“The main goal was to reconnect the fans to the national team and to do this, the players (I selected) on the pitch had to always play with the right spirit.”

Prandelli touched on why he feels Serie A has overseen a recent improvement – with the likes of AC Milan, Inter and Napoli performing admirably in the Champions League this season – and he claims it is due to teams now playing better football.

“Serie A has gone up in standard because the overall level has improved a lot,” he said.

“Many teams play good football and we are on the right track now.”

“It is the only way to catch up with other nations, so congratulations to all the coaches for the job they are doing.”